BMW has put brave, ‘bold’ face on new X3 SAV

The new BMW X3 has a distinctive look that will last

Eddie Cunningham

BMW isn’t joking when it says it has put a “bold” face on the new X3 sports activity vehicle (SAV). It has, surely, one of the most distinctive grilles in the business.

I think it’s the best BMW has come up with in terms of balance, as it has gone too far with some models in its line-up.

There’s an all-new interior, with the latest iDrive with QuickSelect based on Operating System 9. And there’s increased boot cap­acity on the internal combustion engine (ICE) models (now 579 litres – expandable to 1,700 litres with the rear seats folded).

Meanwhile, the 30e xDrive plug-in has increased its electric-only range to a claimed 90km, while the entire consumption (petrol engine and battery) sips a claimed – and I stress claimed – 0.7/0.9litres/100km, depending on versions.

That means it’s theoretically capable of as little as that, but we all know the reality will be significantly more. CO2 emissions can dip to 21 g/km, it’s claimed.

And there’s a diesel – happy days. It’s called the 20d xDrive and costs from €74,540.

All models get an overhauled chassis. That includes the range-topping X3 M50 xDrive that has the most powerful 6cyl, in-line petrol engine yet fitted in an M Performance model. It has a max output of 398hp. A lot of power in a mid-sized SAV.

Prices start from €69,410, and first customer deliveries will arrive in the fourth quarter this year.

It’s 34mm longer than its predecessor at 4,755mm, while width is 1,920mm and it is 25mm lower.